Dayton Business Journal: OhioX panel highlights Dayton's startup scene
The Dayton region's startup and technology scene was the topic of conversation Wednesday during a virtual panel event as part of a statewide tour.
OhioX, the statewide nonprofit to promote technology and innovation partnerships, hosted "Dayton: OhioX Tech Tour" as part of a 10-week Tech Tour across the state. Events have been held in Cleveland, Columbus, and others. The next "stop" is in Cincinnati on Aug. 5.
"I'm a believer that every business is a technology business," said Chris Berry, OhioX president.
Dayton's panel included Melissa Cutcher of Technology First, a trade organizations for technology professionals; Don Kennedy of Smart Data; Elizabeth Kyle, data reporter for Dayton Business Journal; and John Owen of the Wright State Research Institute.
The Dayton region has a bustling startup scene, with companies marking success in areas of medical technology, health care, defense, and wellness, among others.
Defense
Owen said the Wright State Research Institute is involved in programs at local, state and federal levels that directly support the creation of new jobs at small businesses.
Owen said Dayton ranks No. 4 in the U.S. for Small Business Innovation Research funds being awarded.
"We are out-punching our weight there," Owen said.
The Dayton region could be poised to gain 1,000 new jobs if the government selects it to host the U.S. Space Command, the nation's first new military branch in over 70 years.
Ohio’s nomination to host U.S. Space Command has advanced to the evaluation phase. The Dayton area, in conjunction with state and local legislators, recently applied for Wright-Patterson Air Force Base to become the command's new headquarters.
"A lot is going on within the defense sector and at Wright-Patt," Kyle said, of the base's $15 billion impact.
Higher education
The region's robust higher education community — which includes the University of Dayton, Wright State University and Sinclair Community College — acts as a major recruiter for young students and adults to come to Ohio or stay here for advanced education and workforce training.
"Universities shine a light on Dayton for students to come in," Kyle said.
Growing areas for degrees and certifications include entrepreneurship, engineering, manufacturing and cybersecurity, the panelists said.
"There's a big conversation going on across the state around non-traditional education," Kennedy said.
Support network
There are many resources and support available for budding entrepreneurs to see their innovative ideas come to fruition. The Entrepreneurs Center (TEC), Dayton Tech Guide and Launch Dayton area just a few examples of support organizations.
"Dayton is just a huge hub for that support where people can launch their businesses and grow here," Kyle said.
There's also the ongoing redevelopment of the Dayton Arcade in downtown Dayton. Plans still call for a 2020 opening of The Hub Powered by PNC, a venture between UD and TEC. Sinclair also plans to open an entrepreneurs center inside the Arcade.
Dayton's upcoming Startup Week, Sept. 21-25, will be a virtual format this year, which organizers believe will lead to even greater engagement and participation due to out-of-state people being able to attend or those at home with children.
###